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Original Irish Acoustic Rock
Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters are one of the most exciting, energetic, and entertaining bands you'll ever see.
Singer/songwriter Roger Drawdy of County Cork Ireland has put together a brilliant ensemble of players with his band, The Firestarters. The Firestarters play Irish music with an eye towards American rock. Formed in 2000, Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters have performed in numerous venues across the Midwest. Their driving blend of Traditional, modern, and original Irish music will get your feet moving to their rich and rhythmic style.
Tracks
1. Single Leg Takedown
2. Open Seas, Empty Skies
3. At the Fair
4. Tatters
5. Stand Today
6. Handful of Barley
7. Run to Her
8. Roll On
9. Fine Line
10. Vertigo Rising
11. The Sherkin Island Ferry/ Fastnet
12. Catch the Wind
13. It's a Grand Day
Testimonials
"AWESOME - This CD is a wonderful purchase, even if your not irish or like celtic music this is a CD anyone and everyone would enjoy. They are a great band." - Reviewer: Kathy Rogers, CDBaby.com
"Another great album! - I bought this because I loved their live album so much and I was not disappointed. It's one of those CDs you can put on repeat for days. Looking forward to their next one!" - Reviewer: Lisa, CDBaby.com
"This album is for everyone. My favorite has to be Vertigo Rising, but everyone will love Roll On, a ghost story with haunting fiddle and vocals.I would recomment this album to anyone who enjoys any type of Celtic music, the sea, fishing, wresting, or going to the fair!! If you get a chance to see this band live, you must do it, you will not be disappointed!!!" - Reviewer: Michael Williams, CdBaby.com
The Press Says...
Roger Drawdy & the Firestarters Open Seas, Empty Skies
"This band's hallmark is it's high-powered energy. It's an energy that never over powers the music or the lyrics, though, and there are lyrics in plenty on this baker' dozen of original Celtic-framed tunes. Drawdy sings lead and plays guitar, with backing vocals from his bandmates, who add fiddle, mandolin, bodhrán, and bass as well. This fourth band recording shows the Midwest-based group's growing skill at serving the music and at serving up music that's worthy to be heard. The group has recently been the talk of Irish festivals. This is why." -KD, Dirty Linen Magazine
Roger Drawdy and The Firestarters at the Savannah Irish Festival
"This high-flying group lit up the stage last year (February 2006) and went on to win rave reviews from across the country last year as audiences heard the stellar songwriting of Roger Drawdy for the first time. They have earned a return performance and promise to be headliners for years to come." -Savannah Irish Festival Committee
Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters Touched by the Sun
"Fiddler Kathy Woods...Subtlety and command of mood captures the essence of Touched by the Sun. Drawdy's Theatrical vocals and lyrical bent is of the big emotional kind, half Mike Scott's romanticisim, and half Luka Bloom's sensuality...The band kicks up it's storms with choppy rhythms and air punching acoustic rockers." -Irish Music Magizine
Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters-Open seas, Empty Skies
"Mixing traditional Irish music with driving folk sounds, Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters have unveiled another collection of outstanding songs. Open Seas, Empty Skies. Drawdy and his band are staples on the regional Pub and Festival circuits, but as this CD illustrates his prolific writing has them poised to make a larger mark on modern Celtic music." -EW, CityBeat Magizine
Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters - Live Performance
"A Firestarters live show looks absolutely exhausting to perform. "I'd say exhilarating!" laughs Drawdy. "Being able to write my own stuff and have these guys interpret it with such passion is amazing. When you play it six nights in a row, it could get old. But seeing the audience responding to something you've written is inspiring; it gives us all energy." -EW, CityBeat Magazine
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02/03/2008
Roger Drawdy - Open Seas, Empty Skies
The musical foundation shifts easily from Irish/Celtic, Folk, and Rock, though I found myself hoping for a collection focused more on one genre, with more authenticity, and be less concerned with catering to short-attention span Western ears. I personally tend to connect better to the raw sounds and intricacies which are associated with a particular culture's original folk music. I don't need my music quite so polished. As a result, Roger's vocals and band arrangements are impeccable and I do have a few favorite tracks, including the highly emotional and evocative track 8: Roll On. It is perhaps the most musically creative of the tracks, and quite surprising and exciting. Track 10: Vertigo Rising, features a wonderfully tantalizing conversation between a guitar and a mandolin, and perhaps the most captivating lyrics and melody of the collection - truly a gem. Overall, the album was not my cup of tea, but giving it more than one listen, and being patient to listen for the latter tracks revealed more than enough interest for me to ensure Open Seas will remain in my collection. - keope (Jarrell) Paw Paw, WV, USA |
